Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1296806 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-13
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Synopsis
Where is God in the universe if anywhere? Why did God make germs? Why should we be so special? Could the universe have been different? This is a book that brings home, in no uncertain fashion, the discrepancy between the universe envisaged by the ancient sages and prophets and that of modern scientific cosmology, where the possibility of divine intervention looks less and less likely. Butchins demonstrates with clarity how the scientific method may be used, despite certain drawbacks, in an attempt to verify objective truth. It describes how the effect of the Copernican Revolution in the seventeenth century has steadily undermined the basic structure of the three great monotheistic religions of our day, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, especially with respect to their eschatological concepts. The Eastern religions, being less anthropomorphic, are less affected. The theistic argument from design is shown to be powerful enough to have caused disagreement among present-day scientists, in spite of the strictures of Professor Dawkins.

In general, the book attempts to make some sense of the structure of the universe in terms of our own consciousness; it behoves the reader to consider that the universe and everything therein and pertaining to it, including religion and mysticism, is eligible for the scientific method of investigation. An appendix gives the response of various religious authorities to some of the problems that are encountered in the modern cosmos.

From the Publisher
His work races along with a passionate love of his subject and a sense of personal commitment that must engage even the stoniest hearted reviewer. …

Adair Butchins’ basic thesis – that the pre-Copernican religion cannot be made to fit with post Copernican cosmology- is a truth too seldom heeded. He points out that the displacement of humanity from its unique place in the universe has had a disproportionate effect on the three "western religions" of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Much of the anthropocentric doctrine, especially in relation to eschatology, has been rendered untenable. By contrast the eastern traditions, whose vision of the ultimate unity of the universe has not depended upon humankind, have fared better. Such an analysis is supported by the comparative popularity of Buddhist and neo-Vedantic practices among western intellectuals.

Butchins considers the strategies adopted by religious apologists in the West since the 17th century. He concludes that they have kept the door open for some kind of divine creation, as a possibility at least, but have failed to justify any of the specific doctrines relating to sin, redemption and judgement, which lie at the heart of much religion.

This is an acute observation. A religion such as Christianity stands or falls by its practical value in helping ordinary people face the challenges of human living. It is the creationists and charismatics, defying science and offering a hands-on interventionist God, who fill their churches. Modernists and liberals, attempting to reconcile pre-Copernican dogma with modern science, see their pews emptying. A distant God and a loss of immediacy, is the price they pay for a faith that is intellectually respectable. Anthony Freeman - THE TIMES HIGHER Educational Supplement (May 17 2002)

Customer Reviews

Finally, all you ever wanted to know about the Universe.
At last all you ever wanted to know about, God, the Universe and everything; but were to afraid to ask. This book takes an intriguing and difficult subject. De-mystifying it in a way that leaves you feeling that you have leant something new, whilst avoiding the patronising attitude that some academics and scientists have toward the layman. Dr Butchins goes into fascinating detail when dealing with the great western religions and the effect cosmology has had. Or perhaps should have, on the tenets of those religions. He deals to a lesser extent with the eastern religions, although he does point out that they are far less anthropocentric, and therefore less affected , if at all, by the recent discoveries of Cosmology and Mathematics.
This book highlights the idea that, just because someone believes something, it does not make it true. This book is well worth purchasing if you have an enquiring mind and questioning nature. It is well written and easy to follow. I am extremely glad that I read it and shall encourage all my friends to do so.

From the University of California Radio Station
Perhaps the visitors to this website will feel the same degree of excitement I felt when I first read The Numinous Legacy. Dr. Adair effectively explains the orderly universe in a manner, which makes the reader immediately comfortable. His eloquence and clarity on these difficult topics renders them accessible to all who read this book. In addition, the humour which peeks back at us from such serious discussions is remarkably refreshing.

Dr. Adair also involves us at the end of the book by sharing the correspondence he exchanged with various religious leaders. It is at time entertaining, poetic, moving, and at all times exceedingly courteous. Being an American now, the latter may have been the greater source of glee for me.

The concept of consciousness as a dimension is very attractive.

Best of all, I feel I can understand and explain quantum physics now. And so will everyone who reads The Numinous Legacy.
15 October 2003 - Davis, California

Finally, all you ever wanted to know about the Universe...
At last all you ever wanted to know about, God, the Universe and everything; but were to afraid to ask. This book takes an intriguing and difficult subject. De-mystifing it in a way that leaves you feeling that you have leant something new, whilst avoiding the patronising attitude that some academics and scientists have toward the layman. Dr Butchins goes into fascinating detail when dealing with the great western religions and the effect cosmology has had. Or perhaps should have, on the tenets of those religions. He deals to a lesser extent with the eastern religions, although he does point out that they are far less anthropocentric, and therefore less affected , if at all, by the recent discoveries of Cosmology and Mathmatics.
This book highlights the idea that, just because someone believes something, it does not make it true. This book is well worth purchasing if you have an enquiring mind and questioning nature. It is well written and easy to follow. I am extremely glad that I read it and shall encourage all my friends to do so.